Articles | Volume 18, issue 5
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-1209-2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-1209-2025
Research article
 | 
11 Mar 2025
Research article |  | 11 Mar 2025

Peering into the heart of thunderstorm clouds: insights from cloud radar and spectral polarimetry

Ho Yi Lydia Mak and Christine Unal

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Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
AR by Ho Yi Lydia Mak on behalf of the Authors (17 Oct 2024)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (21 Oct 2024) by Leonie von Terzi
RR by Anonymous Referee #2 (28 Oct 2024)
RR by Anonymous Referee #1 (05 Nov 2024)
ED: Publish subject to minor revisions (review by editor) (07 Nov 2024) by Leonie von Terzi
AR by Ho Yi Lydia Mak on behalf of the Authors (18 Dec 2024)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (20 Dec 2024) by Leonie von Terzi
AR by Ho Yi Lydia Mak on behalf of the Authors (21 Dec 2024)
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Short summary
The dynamics of thunderclouds are studied using cloud radar. Supercooled liquid water and conical graupel are likely present, while chain-like ice crystals may occur at cloud top. Ice crystals are vertically aligned seconds before lightning and resume their usual horizontal alignment afterwards in some cases. Updrafts and downdrafts are found near cloud core and edges respectively. Turbulence is strong. Radar measurement modes that are more suited for investigating thunderstorms are recommended.

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